Defending black colleges

Context

In 1992, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states must justify or eliminate funding for institutions that promote segregation, including historically black colleges. It was educational segregation that led to the establishment of black colleges and universities. Historically black colleges and universities have been essential in providing blacks higher education.

Claim

A study by the American Association of University Professors found that historically black schools produce over 25 percent of black college graduates. They also found that many black students learn better at predominantly black universities, where black professors and graduates serve as role models. The schools offer a psychological advantage to students by creating an environment that nurtures self-confidence.

Counter-claim

Historically black colleges and universities have served a very important purpose, by giving blacks an opportunity to participate in higher education when educational segregation, and continued biased admission procedures into non-black colleges, made or have made this impossible or difficult. Yet, black colleges are maintaining educational segregation in the USA. The aim is to have a multicultural educational environment for all races, in order reduce prejudice and promote a tolerant multicultural USA. Mostly-white universities need to play their part too, by ensuring fair admissions procedures for all races and ethnic groups.